L.V. Lewis's Blog, page 37
December 8, 2012
Q and A for Andrea Goodson, Author of Riverbend
1. Who’s your favorite author, and why?
This is almost impossible for me to answer. There are so many authors whose work I adore. From Romantic Suspense to Young Adult to Fantasy to Chrsitian Fiction, there are countless whose books have changed my outlook on life. If I had to choose an absolute favorite it would be the author who first inspired my soul to dream of life in another time and place. Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables was the first book that I lost myself in as a child. Without her work, I may have never aspired to be an author.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
Lena Woodruff from Riverbend. She is strong, bold, and unforgiving of herself. I would love the chance to tell her that life isn’t supposed to be easy and she should just give herself a break!
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
My characters personalities are a blend of traits from many people I have encountered throughout my life. A favorable character might get the traits that I most appreciated from a handful of people I have known, while the villians get the worst!
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
Daydreaming, imagining, and thinking up stories. Coming up with plots and characters functions as a great stress reliever from the everyday havoc of the real world.
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
This is actually a long story. I will keep it short and sweet for you. I sent countless query letters out with little to no response. I almost gave up after weeks and weeks of frustration. My child, who has been battling Dyslexia, was having great difficulty with some homework one night. She had been crying and was ashamed and embarassed that she was having such a hard time completing her work. My exact words to her were, “You can accomplish anything you set your mind to as long as you have the motivation. Don’t ever give up. Nothing is impossible. You are smart and you have ambition.You can do this!” She looked back at me and said, “Then why don’t you just publish your book yourself?” I was speechless and instantly realized that to be an effective parent and successful in my own attempts, I needed to practice what I preached. After a few days of research and reading, I made the decision to self publish. I am very happy with my decision. It gives me control over my book’s marketing and promotion while keeping me very involved with my readers. Also, it has impacted my daughter in an amazing way. She suddenly developed a love for reading that was not there before and has started an idea journal of thoughts for her own stories!
6. What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve been given?
“Love it or leave it.” Writing is fun for me and there is nothing I would rather do. Someone told me once that if it begins to feel like too much of a job that I shouldn’t do it. I now see why. Although I absolutely love writing, editing and marketing are an entirely different story. I don’t necessarily dislike them, but they are not exactly loads of fun. So, you must love writing enough to make the rest of the work involved worth it. For me the benefits always outweigh the downfalls.
7. Biggest mistake you’ve made as an author?
I published my first novel before attempting to build any kind of website, platform, or fan base. I didn’t even have a Twitter at the time. A novel isn’t going to get read very much if nobody knows that it was even published! I spent a great deal of time doing what I can only describe as “back up” posting.
Holiday-themed questions:
1. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
At this point in the story (Riverbend is book one in a trilogy), all Lena would want is a one way ticket to Georgia!
2. Favorite Christmas music?
Anything instrumental, piano, or Trans-Siberian Orchestra!
3. What was the best gift you ever received?
My laptop. It was the first tool I used to begin research for my first book.
I love meeting new people and connecting with my readers! Find me online!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andreagoodsonbooks
Twitter: @bethelightwrite
Website/Blog: www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/bethelightwrite
You can view, sample, and purchase Riverbend on Kindle, Paperback on Amazon, and all eBook formats on Smashwords, links are below. The second book, Rapid Water is due for release on Dec. 15, 2012
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Riverbend-The-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B009NTI3RG
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Riverbend-The-Trilogy-Volume/dp/1480079820
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/242536
Andrea Goodson was born in 1982 and had a love of and fascination with writing since she was very young. Always imagining ways in which the world could be different, she began to write short stories when she was very young. It wasn’t until many years later that she put pen to paper and began to work on what has become her first novel, Riverbend, part one in a trilogy. Upon completion of that work
she found that writing was something she felt meant to do and would never be able to give up. Using her own experiences with hardship and tragedy, Andrea uses her writing to reach others in an effort to show the world that we need not be victims of circumstance. Her main characters endure many conflicts yet find the courage and strength to better themselves. Andrea spends long days walking in the forests of Northwest Pennsylvania dreaming up her next novels.
The Author to Author Blog Hop is hosting a giveaway for a prize package of eBooks from our contributing authors. Enter below, and the winner will be notified by e-mail. You have a chance to enter every day on any of the participating authors’ blogs – so keep checking back. (Note: eBooks labeled 18+ will not be awarded to a winner under the age of 18.)
The Author to Author Blog Hop Giveaway Prize Package includes:
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean (16+)
Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan (16+)
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan (16+)
Behind Closed Doors by Sherri Hayes (16+)
Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever by L.V. Lewis (18+)
Riverbend by Andrea Goodson
Serial Summer by Angel Lawson (18+)
MORE by T.M. Franklin
Valerie, Daughter of the Dragon by Robert S. Fuller, Jr.
Ghosts of our Pasts by N.K. Smith
My Only by N.K. Smith
Damaged Goods by Alexandra Allred
Click Link Below to Rafflecopter Page:
December 7, 2012
Q and A with N. K. Smith, Author of My Only
1. Who’s your favorite author, and why?
I hate to be a party pooper, but I can’t answer this. There are too many fine novelists out there to pick just one. I wish I could narrow down to even just one genre I like over the other, but I cannot. In high school, I couldn’t get enough of Steinbeck and Shakespeare, but I’m not sure I’d call them my favorites right now. The world of literature is incredibly diverse and populated by people who have such beautiful stories to tell that it would be a disservice to name just one as my favorite.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
I would talk to Henry from Ghosts of Our Pasts because he’s my favorite. We’d have tea and probably some veggies and hummus after doing a bit of yoga. We’d talk about various topics, but mostly about philosophy, deep breathing, and the power of thought.
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
The characters usually just appear in my mind. Sometimes it’s just a glimpse of them, other times it’s the full character, complete with nervous tics and backstories. I think it’s my subconscious taking tiny bits and pieces of those around me, mushing them together, and pushing out a brand new person who has a story to tell.
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
The best thing about being a writer is being able to get the characters’ stories out. They pester me until I sit down and let them have a voice. It’s freeing and entertaining to get to know them Equally as awesome is connecting with people all over the world who love reading and meeting new characters.
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
I was lucky. They found me.
6. What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve been given?
Just keep swimming. It wasn’t exactly writing-specific, but I think it applies. No matter how much I might want to give up on a scene or a character, I just keep writing. Eventually I break through the block, remove the barrier, or finish the manuscript.
7. Biggest mistake you’ve made as an author?
There are a lot of things I’d do differently, but I wouldn’t call them mistakes. I’d call them learning opportunities.
Holiday-themed questions:
1. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
The lead male character I’m writing at the moment would want two tickets to Anfield to watch Liverpool Football Club play.
2. Favorite Christmas music?
The kind I don’t hear. Okay, fine, my favorite is O, Holy Night!, but I like Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer as well because my kids love it, and I like to change the words so they’re the hero of the story.
3. What was the best gift you ever received?
The best gift I’ve ever received didn’t happen at the holidays. I won’t say it’s my children, because it’s cliché and goes without saying. The best gift I’ve ever received was when I worked for a beachside bed and breakfast and my husband and I were broke. The normally abrasive chef asked me what was wrong. I told him. He reached into his pocket, pulled out all the money he had on him, and handed it to me. He said that he’d been where I was, and he and his wife made a promise to each other that when they could, they’d help someone else out when they needed it. Now, it wasn’t a huge sum of money. It was $15, but the meaning behind it affected me deeply. It was the gift that kept on giving long after the money was spent. It’s still giving something special to me each time I remember there are good people out there who want nothing in return for their assistance. It’s helped shape my worldview and helped me see to the core of people.
Fun Fact about me: I love connecting with people who love to read, so come visit me on Facebook ( www.facebook.com/NKSmithAuthor ), on Twitter (@NKSmithWrites), on GoodReads ( www.goodreads.com/author/show/5358547.N_K_Smith ), and my blog ( nksmithauthor.blogspot.com )
Buy N.K.Smith books here: http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/authors/detail/10
The Author to Author Blog Hop is hosting a giveaway for a prize package of eBooks from our contributing authors. Enter below, and the winner will be notified by e-mail. You have a chance to enter every day on any of the participating authors’ blogs – so keep checking back. (Note: eBooks labeled 18+ will not be awarded to a winner under the age of 18.)
The Author to Author Blog Hop Giveaway Prize Package includes:
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean (16+)
Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan (16+)
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan (16+)
Behind Closed Doors by Sherri Hayes (16+)
Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever by L.V. Lewis (18+)
Riverbend by Andrea Goodson
Serial Summer by Angel Lawson (18+)
MORE by T.M. Franklin
Valerie, Daughter of the Dragon by Robert S. Fuller, Jr.
Ghosts of our Pasts by N.K. Smith
My Only by N.K. Smith
Damaged Goods by Alexandra Allred
Click Link Below to Rafflecopter Page:
Free! Gratis! Livre! Gratuit! Libero!
From December 6th through 8th, 2012, my book will be FREE. Go ahead, snag a Kindle copy while it’s free and take a moment to like and review on GoodReads and/or Amazon:
L. V.
Q and A with Robert S. Fuller, Jr., Author of Valerie, Daughter of The Dragon
1. Who’s your favorite author, and why?
I enjoy reading several authors from different genres, but I always come back to Stephen King. Unlike other authors whose books tend to be breezy and lightweight, Stephen King’s books require an investment of time and patience to appreciate them. To enjoy a Stephen King novel, the reader must be willing to immerse themselves into the author’s world to truly understand the depth of the story. Stephen King’s words transports the reader to places, The Wastelands in The Gunslinger, the empty cabin in Gerald’s Game, and the road to Kashwak in The Cell, that you swear you can touch, taste, and smell. It takes a master artist to accomplish that.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
While I was developing Valerie: Daughter of the Dragon, I wrote the character of Samantha after my own struggles with depression and low self-esteem. I would love to sit down with her and discuss her insecurities. She’s a successful, independent woman, and yet there’s something that always keeps her from feeling worthy of the love she craves. Talking with her would be like spending time in one’s own head, and learning some painful truths that have been locked away.
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
Every character is related to someone I know, or are composites of a variety of people I know. I spent a decade in retail and from a distance, learned to observe people. As I stated, my main protagonist takes on some of my issues, but my vampire protagonist is more confident and self-assured, which is like looking in a mirror and the reflection is reversed.
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
I always knew I had something important to say, and I always tell people that they have a story inside of them that is aching to be set free. The best thing about being a writer is that moment when you see your name on the cover. Valerie is such a personal story, so the day my first proof arrived was like nothing I had ever felt. I’ve had the privilege to sign some books for friends and family, and always sign it, “Follow your dreams.”
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
For 5 years I searched for a publisher/agent before reading an article on self-publishing. I promised myself that I would wait until I was 40 before I would go the publish-on-demand route. I released my first book a month ago, and now that it is in print and available for Kindle, I wonder why I waited so long. My publisher has been amazing to work with, and I have a simple internet search to thank for giving me the push I needed.
6. What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve been given?
I met Bob Adamov, author of The Put-in-Bay mysteries, at a Christmas craft show about a year ago. I introduced myself as an author. He took me aside and asked me what I’ve published. For a second, I sheepishly dodged the question until he looked at me and bluntly asked, “What are you waiting for?” The question hit me, and he saw the frightened look in my eye. He smiled knowingly, jotted something down, and handed me his business card. On the back of it, he had written the contact information of his publisher. I didn’t go with his publisher, but it lit a fire that led me to seek my own publisher.
7. Biggest mistake you’ve made as an author?
My biggest mistake was expecting the literary world to open up to me after releasing my first book. I did my homework and networked like a madman, but the New York Times didn’t call to tell me my book had topped the Bestseller List. I’m in the writing game for the long haul, so I’m determined to turn my mistake into a lesson of tempering my expectations.
Holiday-themed questions:
1. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
I love this question. Samantha is such a homebody and small town girl, that she’d want others to be happy instead of thinking of herself. She’s a jeans and sweatshirt kind of woman, but she keeps a journal and listens to records on an old turntable. Maybe, her ideal gift would be a new record player, some cool albums, and some blank journals.
2. Favorite Christmas music?
Here’s where my old-school tastes kick in. When I was younger I remember a commercial for the Time-Life Treasury of Christmas set. It featured all of the classic Christmas songs on 4 compact discs. The commercial looked as wonderful as the songs sounded. I bought the collection, and have already had to replace it twice from wearing it out.
3. What was the best gift you ever received?
I was 7 or 8 when my parents bought me my first electric football game. It was the one with the vibrating metal board and ear piercing roar. Back then, I was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, and the version of the game was the Super Bowl edition. Naturally, it contained the Cowboys and Steelers. Over the years, I’ve been blessed with remarkable gifts, but when I think back, that annoyingly loud football game always stands out.
For more information about me, please visit my website at: www.robertfullerauthor.com
My debut book, Valerie: Daughter of the Dragon can be purchased, in print, directly from Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/3927028, and the Kindle version from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Valerie-Daughter-Dragon-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00AA2W6SM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1354464218&sr=1-1&keywords=valerie+daughter+of+the+dragon
The Author to Author Blog Hop is hosting a giveaway for a prize package of eBooks from our contributing authors. Enter below, and the winner will be notified by e-mail. You have a chance to enter every day on any of the participating authors’ blogs – so keep checking back. (Note: eBooks labeled 18+ will not be awarded to a winner under the age of 18.)
The Author to Author Blog Hop Giveaway Prize Package includes:
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean (16+)
Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan (16+)
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan (16+)
Behind Closed Doors by Sherri Hayes (16+)
Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever by L.V. Lewis (18+)
Riverbend by Andrea Goodson
Serial Summer by Angel Lawson (18+)
MORE by T.M. Franklin
Valerie, Daughter of the Dragon by Robert S. Fuller, Jr.
Ghosts of our Pasts by N.K. Smith
My Only by N.K. Smith
Damaged Goods by Alexandra Allred
Click Link Below to Rafflecopter Page:
December 5, 2012
Q and A with Alexandra Allred, Author of Damaged Goods
1. Who’s your favorite author, and why?
It changes from book to book. Erik Larson is my new favorite. I love the research he does to weave an amazing story. But check with me next week and I’ll bet it will be someone new!
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
My characters crack me up. I have to remind myself from time to time that they are just characters because I’ll tell my sister, “___ just said the funniest thing!” and she’s say, “You do realize she’s in your head, right?” Oh, yeah. My most recently released book, Damaged Goods, has some wonderful characters but because they are based on real people, I feel a pretty heavy connection to them. Joanna Lucas is the only true fictional character in the book. For this reason, it would be fun to sit and talk with her … see where her life takes her without me steering things. Does she stay in Marcus? Does her life include Roberto?
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
Life. I also write freelance for magazines and am often given a subject not of my own choosing. It can be difficult but it also forces you to write outside your comfort zone. For this reason, I’ve been able to see and learn things I would not normally experience. All of these opportunities … like running like hell to get out of a pasture when a cross breed of a buffalo and cow is coming at you like a freight train (Who knew how fast they could run?!), stay with you, mold you and allow you to create story lines you might not otherwise know.
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
Besides being chased by angry beef-a-lo??? Everyday is new, every person is a potential character. You learn to appreciate everything. I do an annual letter in which I make fun of everything that went wrong during the year … being a writer allows you to express yourself but it also allows you to vent and redirect! That’s awesome.
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
Amazing luck!! I was stuck in an airport after a public speaking gig, picked up Fifty Shades (why not?), read it and then my sister introduced me to the publisher. It’s a crazy, crazy, small world!
6. What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve been given?
Write what you know!
7. Biggest mistake you’ve made as an author?
Oooooh. What a great question. I waited too long to get going. I was embarrassed to share my stuff or admit out loud that I wanted to be an author.
Holiday-themed questions:
1. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
Ha. What a fun question! Joanna would want all the trimmings and lights to really showcase her new home that she worked so hard on.
2. Favorite Christmas music?
All the old classics … no songs by current pop stars. No! No! No!
3. What was the best gift you ever received?
That’s tough. I have some favorite kid memories … today, however, my husband is a TERRIBLE gift giver so … and, he’s in charge of kids getting me things and he really shouldn’t be.
Alexandra Powe Allred graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.A. in History, saying,”As everyone knows, once you get a degree in history, all you can really do is teach or write. I’m just doing what I can!” As the daughter of a (now retired) U.S. Diplomat, Allred traveled all over the United States and around the world. Her writing career began before graduation with several pieces on bi-lingual education with national education publications.
But the real stories began while living as a youth in Moscow, Russia. Under a communist regime, imagination and the ability to create stories was the very best way to beat boredom (and the freezing cold!). As her career was taking off, Allred embraced her second passion — sports. She trained for and made the U.S. women’s bobsled team in 1994, becoming the ï¬�rst U.S. National Champion. She was named Athlete of the Year by the United States Olympic Committee and garnered much worldwide attention as she was also 4 1/2 months pregnant at the time! Her training regimen was (and is) used by the United States and International Olympic Committees for pregnant athletes. Following her retirement from the sport in 1998, Allred returned to the literary world with The Quiet Storm.
While living in the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY, she was able to talk to Olympic and National athletes from all disciplines and share with sports enthusiasts. From there, her career was launched. She did adventure freelance writing for Sports Illustrated, Muscle & Fitness for Her, and Volvo magazines. She held a sports column, worked as an editor for NOW magazines outside Dallas, Texas and began working as a Clean Air advocate, often testifying before the EPA.
Today, she writes (mostly) teaches kinesiology classes for Navarro Community College while enjoying her family and animals in Texas.
The Author to Author Blog Hop is hosting a giveaway for a prize package of eBooks from our contributing authors. Enter below, and the winner will be notified by e-mail. You have a chance to enter every day on any of the participating authors’ blogs – so keep checking back. (Note: eBooks labeled 18+ will not be awarded to a winner under the age of 18.)
The Author to Author Blog Hop Giveaway Prize Package includes:
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean (16+)
Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan (16+)
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan (16+)
Behind Closed Doors by Sherri Hayes (16+)
Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever by L.V. Lewis (18+)
Riverbend by Andrea Goodson
Serial Summer by Angel Lawson (18+)
MORE by T.M. Franklin
Valerie, Daughter of the Dragon by Robert S. Fuller, Jr.
Ghosts of our Pasts by N.K. Smith
My Only by N.K. Smith
Damaged Goods by Alexandra Allred
Click Link Below to Rafflecopter Page:
Free! Gratis! Livre! Gratuit! Libero!
From December 6th through 8th, 2012, my book will be FREE. Go ahead, snag a Kindle copy while it’s free and take a moment to like and review on GoodReads and/or Amazon:
L. V.
December 4, 2012
Q and A with K. B. Hoyle, Author of The Gateway Chronicles Series – The Six
1. Who’s your favorite author, and why?
This is a REALLY difficult question for me to answer! I love different authors for different reasons. If I can be perfectly honest, it would have to be a three-way tie between J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and J. K. Rowling. What these three have in common that keeps me going back to their books over and over again is depth of storytelling. They each cloak, under the guise of fantasy, incredibly complex and meaningful stories. The Lord of the Rings is like beautiful classical music. When you read it, you can feel the levels of craftsmanship that went into creating Middle Earth and the characters that populate it. The Chronicles of Narnia are so decpetively simple, and they introduced me to a love of fantasy literature as a very young child, but when I read them as an adult, I can now see the layers of meaning and symbolism that Lewis smuggled into the stories. And Harry Potter . . . oh, how I love Harry! I had an immediate, emotional connection with those stories that led me to dig deeper and study how they were written. Lo and behold I discovered classical and medieval literary methodology and symbolism that transcends anything one might expect to find in a modern children’s commercial fantasy. I’ve sought to emulate the styles of all three authors in my own writing because there’s a reason each of these three authors are some of the most widely-read in history. I want my books to connect with readers in the same ways.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
I would have a conversation with Tellius. Tellius has always been my favorite character from book 1, and it is in book 4 (the most recently released) that I finally let the readers in on a lot more of his personality. A lot happens to Tellius in book 4, and he kind of needs a hug, a cup of tea, and a good long talk. He’s someone with a lot of depth to him, especially in book 4, and I would love to dig into his personal struggles with him a little more.
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
Oh, I gather inspiration from all over. Because my current series is based loosely on experiences I had at camp as a child, many of the personalities from my camp friends found their way into The Gateway Chronicles. (I say “loosely” because obviously I never passed through a gateway to a new and magical world . . . or did I???) I also study my students for teenage mannerisms, and I mine the depths of my favorite books for inspiration on how the best authors have done it before me. There’s a little of some of my favorite literary characters in some of the characters in my books.
4. What is the best thing (in your opinion) about being a writer?
I get to write stories I myself want to read! I’ve always had a ton of stories floating around in my head, begging to get out. I used to skip lunch at school to sit in study hall and write, but although I am really shy, I never wanted my stories to only be for me. As scary as it is, I’ve always known my stories were meant to be shared with others. It’s just a bonus that I love them too, and that I get an outlet for my creative energy.
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
That is a long story, so I’ll cut it way down. It was kind of providential. I’m incredibly nervous about getting reviews (is any author NOT?), so I’ve always been shy about asking people to review my books. When I self-published my second novel, however, I just knew that I needed to do something more to get the word out about my books, so I psyched myself up and chose a random reviewer I had found on Twitter. She looked like someone who might like my books, and she accepted self-pub manuscripts, so I sent her an e-mail. She accepted the review and ended up loving my books (phew), and it just so happened that she worked for the marketting department of TWCS publishing house. She contacted me, inquiring whether or not I would ever consider traditional publishing, to which I replied, “Of course!” Basically it came together in bits and pieces after that, but it really was kind of crazy because she remains the only person, to this day, I have ever directly approached for a book review. (I’m still terrified of it and am SO thankful for the fabulous marketers at TWCS who help set all that up for me now!)
6. What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve been given?
There is no such thing as writer’s block. If you are a professional author, writing is your job, so treat it as such.
Because I am also a teacher, this made me think about how I don’t necessarily feel like teaching every day, but because it is my JOB, I get up and go to work and do it regardless. In every job, you have good days and bad days. I wouldn’t stay home when I don’t feel like teaching simply because I have “teacher’s block,” so neither should I neglect writing when I have writer’s block. I’d never thought of it that way before.
7. Biggest mistake you’ve made as an author?
I don’t know if it’s the biggest one, but it was one of the most embarassing mistakes I’ve made as an author. I have a friendly acquaintance who is a best selling author who volunteered to help me make a few connections when I was still self-published and seeking a traditional publishing house. He facilitated an introduction with his agent, who is one of the biggest agents in the industry, and all I had to do was take it from there and e-mail the agent, introducing myself. Well, I did, and I was so nervous about it that it took me something like four hours to write the e-mail. I wrote it, read it, re-read it, read it out loud to my husband, basically did everything I could to make it sound nice and professional. I’m usually an excellent speller, but I checked and double-checked all the spellings of any big words before I sent the e-mail, just to be safe. Well, my friend had asked me to keep him copied on the correspondence, so I did, and shortly after sending the e-mail, I got a response from him giving me a professional critique of my e-mail to the agent. I was very happy to receive this and thankful for the help, obviously, but I was also mortally embarassed, as my friend informed me (in a very friendly manner) that I had misspelled the word “referral” in the subject line of the e-mail. Maybe this doesn’t seem like a big deal, but for how many hours I had put into it, and for the fact that the subject line was the first thing the agent would see, I just couldn’t believe I had made such a ridiculous mistake. I still feel a little sick to my stomach today when I think about it! So, yeah… The agent was still kind enough to consider me, and we corresponded a bit more, but he did eventually pass on representing me. I’m sure it wasn’t because of the spelling error, but it certainly couldn’t have helped!
Holiday-themed questions:
1. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
Darcy Pennington, at the point I am at in the story (as I’m writing it… she’s 17 right now, in the middle of book 5), would want nothing more than to be with the people she loves. That’s a little hint (wink wink) to those of you eagerly awaiting book 5.
2. Favorite Christmas music?
My favorite Christmas music, hands down, is Handel’s Messiah. I could listen to it all day every day this time of year. I think it’s brilliant and beautiful, and it never ceases to bring tears to my eyes. Aside from that, I’ve always really loved the old sacred hymns. O Holy Night is probably my favorite of those.
3. What was the best gift you ever received?
The best gift I’ve ever received? Hmmm… that’s a tough one! It kind of depends on the situation. When I was 14 years old, my parents bought me and my siblings a dachshund puppy for Christmas. That was pretty awesome, and it’s been on my mind this Christmas as they just had to put that dog down last week after 15 years. She’s the last of my childhood pets to be put down, so it’s been sad. On a happier note (and to tie it back to the first question), when I was sophomore in college, my roommates and I did a gift exchange. Kate, who had picked me to buy for, knew I was getting pretty “into” that Harry Potter series (this was a year after the release of book 4), so she bought me a box set of the first four. I still have it proudly displayed on my mantel, and like the velveteen rabbit, it shows many signs of much love!
K. B. Hoyle is a wife, mother, and classical educator with a degree in history. She, her husband, and her three sons make their home in the southern suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama. She grew up with a great fascination for fantasy literature, and spent most of her free time as a child and teenager hidden away in her room writing stories and drawing pictures of her characters. Her debut fantasy series, The Gateway Chronicles, of which she has published the first four books, has been described as a cross between Narnia and Harry Potter, and is enjoyable for readers of all ages. Her biggest fans are her students, and when they ask her when her books will be made into movies, she just laughs and replies, “Maybe someday.” Follow her on Twitter @kbhoyle_author; keep up with her bloghttp://www.nightnark.blogspot.com; find her on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/K-B-Hoyle/155377154576880 To purchase: TWCShttp://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/authors/detail/33 Amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Six-Gateway-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007RKZA7E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354510119&sr=8-2&keywords=K.+B.+Hoyle
The Author to Author Blog Hop Giveaway Prize Package includes:
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean (16+)
Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan (16+)
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan (16+)
Behind Closed Doors by Sherri Hayes (16+)
Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever by L.V. Lewis (18+)
Riverbend by Andrea Goodson
Serial Summer by Angel Lawson (18+)
MORE by T.M. Franklin
Valerie, Daughter of the Dragon by Robert S. Fuller, Jr.
Ghosts of our Pasts by N.K. Smith
My Only by N.K. Smith
Click Link Below to Rafflecopter Page:
November 30, 2012
Author-to-Author Blog Hop!
I’m participating in a blog hop in December together with a group of twelve fellow authors. We have interviewed each other and will be posting the interviews on our blogs.
Your participation is required, if you’d like to enter a drawing to receive a fabulous e-book collection as a grand prize. At the end of each interview, there’s an opportunity to enter a chance to win one e-book from each of the participating authors! If you participate each day, and visit all the authors’ blogs, it increases your chances of winning.
Do the Author-to-Author Blog hop with us for your chance to win 13 e-books for FREE! Here is a list of participating authors:
K.B. Hoyle
Alexandra Allred
Robert S. Fuller, Jr
N.K. Smith
Andrea Goodson
Lissa Bryan
T.M. Franklin
Sherri Hayes
Allie Jean
Angel Lawson
Sydney Logan
Sandi Layne
L. V. Lewis
The Blog Hop begins on December 5th. Stay tuned for more info!
November 24, 2012
The WordPress Bestseller List
Reblogged from WordPress.com News:
Move over, New York Times bestseller list.
Millions of people across the globe turn to WordPress to build their websites and blogs, and we’re proud to say WordPress is home to many bestselling writers and winners of prestigious literary awards and prizes, including the Pulitzer Prize. In other words, we have our own bestseller list!
Take a look at the bestsellers and award winners who use WordPress — and be sure to scroll down to read about the notable works and WordPress-powered websites of twelve authors we’ve handpicked from this impressive list:
Wow, I'm in great company! :)
Does being on two Amazon Top 100 Lists count?
November 18, 2012
I’m On An Amazon Top 100 List!
For the past week, I’ve been watching my little book as it has climbed out of obscurity and onto it’s very first Amazon Top 100 List. After my first free day, it rode the obligatory bump out of the hundreds of thousands in the rankings to hover in the 3500-4500 range for Paid In Kindle Store. I had absolutely no frame of reference for what all this meant until the book popped up on the Top 100 African American Literature and Fiction Books list:
#51 in Books > Literature & Fiction > United States > African American
The above is where it was when I checked at this writing. However, it’s been in the low forties a couple of times, and the thing I found absolutely more fascinating and humbling than anything is the fact that through the week, it has landed on the same page as Toni Morrison! In fact, it was right next to her once, and I might have taken a screen shot of that, because that might not happen again in my lifetime. What an utterly incongruous position to be in.
Mind you, I have no idea what algorithm, rubric, or whatever Amazon uses to decide such things. I’ve just been blindly accepting of whatever ranking they’ve deigned to assign to me. One thing I know for sure is that someone out there is buying this little book, and I want to thank all the early acquirers, readers, and reviewers who are pushing it up the food chain. One can always hope to be on the Top 100 Paid in Store list, right?
In the interim, I guess I’ll just keep watching what happens and enjoying my place on this wonderful list while I’m there. It means so much to me, because it is validation somehow that my own accept me. And that feels good!
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